UK Announces New Envoy To Kenya

The United Kingdom has announced a new high commissioner to Kenya to replace the outgoing British diplomat.

Mr Nic Hailey the incoming British High Commissioner for Kenya. PHOTO | COURTESY

Mr Nic Hailey, currently the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) director for Africa, will succeed Dr Christian Turner at the end of the year.

Dr Turner will be remembered for his remarks prior to the 2013 General Election indicating that there would be only “essential contact” between Nairobi and London should then ICC indictee, Mr Kenyatta, be elected president.

The icy relationship that existed in the early days of Mr Kenyatta’s presidency has however thawed, giving way to more pragmatic diplomacy.

The British premier David Cameron on September 28 held talks with President Kenyatta on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York in a bid to strengthen security, economic and diplomatic ties.

Kenya exported more than Sh35 billion worth of merchandise to Britain compared to Uganda and Tanzania where East Africa’s largest economy exported Sh42.3 billion and Sh60 billion worth of goods respectively in 2014, according to the latest government data.

Mr Hailey has previously held diplomatic posts in Kabul, Washington, Paris and Berlin Prior to his Nairobi posting.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya. I look forward to arriving in Kenya as our historic partnership reaches a new level, based on shared interests, trust and mutual respect,” said Mr Hailey.